The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a stage for exciting sports performances, and one of the promising athletes, Ramita Jindal, made her mark in the women’s 10m air rifle event. The 20-year-old Indian shooter finished seventh in a highly competitive eight-women final. Despite the challenges, Ramita’s performance remains a significant achievement for Indian shooting at this prestigious event.
Ramita Jindal’s Journey to the Finals
Ramita Jindal entered the finals with an impressive qualification score of 631.5, showcasing her potential and skill in the 10m air rifle event. This strong performance in the qualifications had placed her as a formidable contender for the finals.
On Monday, during the finals, Ramita shot a total score of 145.3. Her journey through the final was intense, starting with a seventh-place position after the first 10 shots, scoring 104.0. As the elimination rounds commenced, Ramita briefly moved up to sixth place, thanks to a shot of 10.5, pushing Norway’s Hegg Jeanette Duestad out of the competition. However, Ramita’s run came to an end in the subsequent round of eliminations, securing her the seventh spot overall.
India’s Shooting Representation in Paris
Ramita Jindal’s qualification marked her as the second Indian shooter to reach a final in this year’s Paris Olympics, following Manu Bhaker, who also made it to the finals in her respective shooting event. Soon after, Arjun Babuta joined them by qualifying for the men’s 10m air rifle final, highlighting India’s growing presence in the shooting sport at the international level.
The Tokyo Olympics had seen only one Indian shooter, Saurabh Chaudhary, making it to the finals in the shooting category, where he finished seventh in the 10m air pistol. Ramita Jindal’s progress to the finals in Paris is a testament to her dedication and an encouraging sign for Indian shooting enthusiasts.
Ramita, along with her partner Arjun Babuta, had already experienced a challenging start at the Paris Olympics, finishing sixth in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. However, this only fueled their determination and drive to excel in their individual events.
Who is Ramita Jindal?
Ramita Jindal hails from Ladwa District in Kurukshetra, India. She began her journey in rifle shooting at the tender age of 13, while she was a student in Class VIII. Her initial training took place at the local Karan Shooting Academy in Ladwa. Initially, she spent just a couple of hours there, but as her interest deepened, her commitment grew.
Ramita’s hard work and passion for the sport have yielded impressive results over the years. At the recent Asian Games, she won two medals: a silver in the team event and a bronze in the individual category. Her achievements extend to the Junior World Championships, where she secured two golds in Cairo in 2022 and a bronze in Lima in 2021.
At the senior level, Ramita has further established her prowess. She clinched a gold medal in the 10m air rifle women’s team event at the Baku 2022 ISSF World Cup and a silver medal in the same event at the World Cup in Changwon in 2022. These accolades reflect her growing stature in the international shooting arena.
A Look at Manu Bhaker’s Achievements
Manu Bhaker has also been a beacon of success for Indian shooting, breaking a two-Olympics-long medal drought by winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event on Day 2 of the Paris Olympics. Her achievement made her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, marking a historic moment for Indian sports.
Conclusion
Ramita Jindal’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a significant step in her sporting career, showcasing her talent and dedication. Finishing seventh among the world’s best is no small feat, and her journey continues to inspire aspiring shooters across India. With her track record of achievements and the support of her fans and country, Ramita is poised to reach even greater heights in the future. The Paris Olympics has not only been a platform for competition but also a testament to the hard work and resilience of athletes like Ramita, who continue to make India proud on the global stage.
